Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) can be one of the most dreaded side effects from treatment. Ask your doctor about medications that can help prevent CINV and try these diet and lifestyle tips to help you stay strong..

How can I help manage CINV?

• Avoid solid foods immediately before and after treatment
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Drink clear liquids such as sports drinks, ginger ale, lemon-lime sodas, or unsweetened fruit juices
• Start with bland foods such as dry toast or soda crackers, then eat small, frequent meals throughout the day
• Avoid spicy or greasy foods
• Avoid favorite foods on days you are sick so they don’t become nausea triggers
• Avoid odors that may upset your stomach such as cooking odors, smoke, or perfume
• Avoid lying flat for at least 2 hours following meals
• Notify your doctor if vomiting is severe or if you cannot keep anything down
• Try engaging in relaxing activities such as reading, working puzzles, doing yoga, watching TV, or listening to music
• Alternative therapies such as self-hypnosis, guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, acupuncture, or acupressure may also help

Ask your treatment team to help you create a CINV management plan that will work for you.

The ALOXI Patient Support program provides other educational materials and more information about the chemotherapy experience. Other online resources can link you to organizations that may help you learn about many other aspects of cancer care.